As the Principal Designer at Collected Interiors, Ashley Macuga’s New Orleans heritage deeply influences her design point of view and practice. Her passion lies in discovering her clients’ stories and translating them into spaces that are warm, soulful, and unexpectedly modern. As a busy mother of four, Ashley has real-life experience with what family homes need to achieve the critical balance of beauty and function. As a result, the foundation of her work and practice is materials and selections that are built to last and patina wisely (and beautifully). Clients love her authentic interest in the way their families operate, deep understanding of materials and construction, as well as her detailed investment spreadsheets. Contractor and artisan partners appreciate her ability to create collaborative working environments where projects and people thrive… on time and on budget. Learn more about Ashley and her style in today’s Designer Friday.
A light wood ceiling with natural patina draws the eye upward while the sculptural brass and globe chandelier anchors this dining table below with a modern, gallery-like presence.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Ashley Macuga: I grew up in New Orleans, and for years I lived in an apartment located over the Kinko’s that my mom managed. But it wasn’t any run-of-the-mill apartment; it was a hidden jewel box. The building had been an antique store at some point in its history, and the shop owner lived upstairs and turned her apartment into an antiques treasure trove. Our living room had a 12-foot wall of floor-to-ceiling leaded glass French doors. The walls were drenched in a deep navy, with the most incredible crown and trim work. In the center of the room hung a chandelier made of ram antlers, perfectly paired with the most feminine and ornate ceiling medallion.
My mom worked a lot. Kinko’s was open 24 hours a day, and she was committed to every urgent need of her customers. While she worked, I studied every detail of that apartment. I restyled our furniture, bought on a super sale from a place called Kirkland’s — a 1980s version of Ashley Homestore, just with a lot more hideous floral patterns. And, I dreamed about what it might look like if I could reupholster the sofa and fill the bookshelves with sculptures and artifacts. I didn’t know it at the time, but that’s when my interior design journey began. When other kids were rewarded with a Nintendo, I opted for a new Laura Ashley comforter set. What I wouldn’t give to design that apartment again and give my little haven a second chance to showcase its extraordinary beauty.
AJ: What is your favorite type of space to design?
AM: Forgotten spaces. Homes with history. We love restoring a home’s pride and the neighborhood, too.
Rich walnut cabinetry establishes a warm architectural backdrop, while the crisp marble waterfall island catches and reflects light, lifting the entire palette.
AJ: What’s your biggest fear in life?
AM: One of my deepest fears is ending up in a job that drains me instead of fills me, a job that takes my time but doesn’t give me joy or space for creativity. Life feels so fleeting, so precious, and I can’t shake the memory of watching my mom push herself through days that gave her no passion. As a single mother, she carried the full weight of providing for us, and while she did her job with incredible strength and excellence, it was clear she did it because she had to — not because it fulfilled her. I don’t shy away from hard work; in fact, I love the feeling of pushing myself and accomplishing something meaningful. But what I crave is work that inspires me, work that sets something alive in me. I want to spend my hours with people who inspire me, with clients who give me the freedom to create. To fill the hours away from my family with purpose, inspiration, and drive.
AJ: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?
AM: I believe the most important element of being a successful interior designer is the ability to deeply listen — to hear not just what clients say they want from a space, both aesthetically and functionally, but also to uncover the possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves. It’s about tuning in closely to their vision while also seeing possibilities they may have never considered, or even realized they desired. That’s where the magic happens: in offering unexpected, creative solutions and aesthetic choices that elevate a space beyond the obvious. These touches transform a house into something deeply personal and tailored, a reflection of the client’s lifestyle and spirit. And it’s that sense of being both heard and surprised — in the best way — that drives clients to share their experience with others, fueling the kind of referrals that grow a practice organically.
A vintage-inspired rug anchors the seating arrangement while patterned pillows and carefully curated antiques give this living room a collected, lived-in character.
AJ: What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
AM: I am inspired by the increased access we have to artists and original art. Art has the incredible ability to transform a space — it makes a well-designed room feel like a home. Instagram and other social media channels have broadened the landscape of discovery — introducing us and our clients to new artists, diverse styles, and innovative mediums at a wide range of price points. Even more meaningful is the opportunity to learn the stories behind the work — what inspires each artist and drives their creativity — which adds layers of depth to every piece. This accessibility not only makes original art more attainable but also allows each client to find pieces that resonate with their personal story, ensuring that their home reflects not just beauty, but individuality and soul.
AJ: What’s a new hobby/skill that you have learned recently?
AM: Recently, I’ve fallen in love with the game of mahjong. Of course, I adore the beautiful tiles and the charming accessories that are at the center of the growing Mahjong culture — but what I love most is the way it brings people together. Mahjong creates a space for connection, conversation, and laughter without a single digital screen in sight, which feels increasingly rare these days — nostalgia at its very best. I also enjoy teaching others how to play, passing along a new skill that they can then share with their friends and family.
AJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a designer?
AM: The best design advice I’ve ever received is that a good design is only as strong as the team behind it. Interior design is never a solo effort — it’s the result of collaboration between designers, architects, contractors, artisans, and, most importantly, the clients themselves. When everyone brings their unique expertise, creativity, and perspective to the table, the end result is elevated far beyond what any one person could achieve alone.
Photography by Nicole Dianne.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.